Venue information

The Edinburgh Playhouse opened its doors for the first time at 2pm on Monday 12 August 1929. Although originally designed as a variety theatre, by the time the building was completed it had been decided to open it as a cinema. The first film to be screened was ‘The Doctor’s Secret’ an adaptation of JM Barrie’s short play ‘Half an Hour’.
The building was owned and run by the Maguire family and was designed by Glasgow architect John Fairweather. On a fact finding trip to America he was impressed by the splendour of the Roxy Theatre in New York and some of its features were said to have inspired the final designs for the Playhouse.

Selected reviews for this venue:

The venue was attractive enough with good accoustics, but with only a gradual elevation of the seating the sight lines were not very good. The bar was also slow with limited choices, and this is the first time I have had to que for mens toilets! I was surprised at the number of people getting up and down to the toilet during the concert.

Joe Bonamassa(05/10/13) - Fantastic Concert!!!

This was the first time I have seen Joe live, and was not disappointed! His concert was full of energy, variety and interest, and they played non stop for 2.5 hours to a full house (no support band)! Joe is a brilliant guitarist and was accompanied by other excellent musicians and a decent light show. He played a wide variety of music, including accoustic, blues, rock and roll and funk with some fabulous extended versions of old and new songs. Although Joe is on tour so much, he stills puts everything into his concerts. I very much enjoy Joes music, and certainly hope to see him again.

Very good central location. I prefer this kind of theatre venue compared to soulless arenas. We felt a little bit squeezed in, but that all added to the atmosphere.

Joe Bonamassa(01/10/13) - Everything we expected

This concert from Joe Bonamassa was everything we expected, he was fantastic. The venue was great, the slopping floor meant everyone had a good view. Sound quality was spot on. The highlights for us were, Driving towards the daylight, Sloe Gin and the simply amazing Mountain Time. 2 1/2 hours of sheer joy, can hardly wait to see him again. The downside is the amount of people who get up to go to the loo/bar when they have paid to see a concert!

Its good to be able to get nearly 3,000 fans in but theres no way an audience for Joe Bonamassa should be in a fully-seated venue.

Joe Bonamassa(01/10/13) - Magnificent

Bonamassa is probably the finest guitarist of our time and possibly ever. Do not miss the chance to catch him next time around. Fabulous. A 45-minute accoustic session proved you dont need power to rock and for the rest of the two-hour extravanganza he showed just what can be done when hes plugged in.

Selected fan reports for events at this venue Edinburgh Playhouse

Joe Bonamassa

23/09/13

Fantastic Concert!!!from Bob Miller, 05/10/13

This was the first time I have seen Joe live, and was not disappointed! His concert was full of energy, variety and interest, and they played non stop for 2.5 hours to a full house (no support band)! Joe is a brilliant guitarist and was accompanied by other excellent musicians and a decent light show. He played a wide variety of music, including accoustic, blues, rock and roll and funk with some fabulous extended versions of old and new songs. Although Joe is on tour so much, he stills puts everything into his concerts. I very much enjoy Joes music, and certainly hope to see him again.

Joe Bonamassa

23/09/13

Everything we expectedfrom choclab, 01/10/13

This concert from Joe Bonamassa was everything we expected, he was fantastic. The venue was great, the slopping floor meant everyone had a good view. Sound quality was spot on. The highlights for us were, Driving towards the daylight, Sloe Gin and the simply amazing Mountain Time. 2 1/2 hours of sheer joy, can hardly wait to see him again. The downside is the amount of people who get up to go to the loo/bar when they have paid to see a concert!

Joe Bonamassa

23/09/13

Magnificentfrom Steve Brennan, 01/10/13

Bonamassa is probably the finest guitarist of our time and possibly ever. Do not miss the chance to catch him next time around. Fabulous. A 45-minute accoustic session proved you dont need power to rock and for the rest of the two-hour extravanganza he showed just what can be done when hes plugged in.

Address: Edinburgh Playhouse

18-22 Greenside Place,
EH1 3AAEdinburgh

Public transport

Parking

Accessibility

Accessible SeatingThe venue is accessible to disabled patrons. The easiest access is through the main entrance where there are no steps to climb. Within the building, there are fewer steps to climb for patrons who are seated in the circle.

Guide dogs are permitted in all areas with the patronDisabled toiletsSennheisser Infrared system for the hard of hearing.

IMPORTANT: The stalls and balcony are not suitable for wheelchair users or patrons with walking difficulties.

To book spaces for wheelchairs call: 0131 524 3301 or email access4all.playhouseedinburgh@livenation.co.uk

For information and dates of Signed, Captioned and Audio Described performances, please call 0131 524 3301